Bossier High School Band Goes to Chicago

1950 was an exciting summer for the Bossier High School band students. They were selected to represent Louisiana in the Lions Club International convention parade as Louisiana’s official Lion band for the second year in a row.

The trip was an 8-day, 2,000-mile tour of the middle United States in three Continental Trailways buses. The average cost for the 85 member band was about $45 per member. Louisiana Lions Club District Governor Walter Johnson presented a $1,500 check to defray the expenses to the international convention, and the Bossier City Lions Club gave an additional $2,500.

One of three National Trailways buses used to transport the Bossier High School band to
Chicago for the International Lion Convention, 1950. Barbara McKenzie Collection: 2018.045.001

In a “Planters Press” article, details of the band’s trip appeared as follows:

“With the heartiest wishes of the entire community for a delightful trip, the Bossier City high school band will leave for Chicago to participate in the program of the International Lions convention.

Harold H. Ramsey

“This was announced by Harold H. Ramsey, director, who had the 85 band members place their equipment including instruments and luggage, at the high school Thursday afternoon in order to have everything in readiness for the departure from the school.

“‘Anyone not aboard the buses at that time will be at home reading post cards while the rest of the band is in Chicago,’ warned the band director. But, of course, there will be no occasion for cards to be mailed any of the 85 band boys and girls.

“Here is what the band members took on the trip:

“One small camera, one towel, one wash cloth, tooth brush, comb, one cake of soap, handkerchiefs, underwear, tee shirts, shoes (no more than three pairs, including band shoes), socks, (at least one pair of white socks plus others to wear en route).

“Boys should take these items:

“Two gray shirts, one white shirt (sport type preferred), two dress shirts, one or two ties, one or two pairs of gray trousers, one suit or suitable sport outfit to be worn for special entertainment or in church, two or three tee shirts.

“Girls should take these items:

“Two gray shirts (or blouses), one or two gray skirts, one white blouse (sport type), one or two dresses, one ensemble suitable for special entertainment and Sunday wear, two or three tee shirts and shorts.

“Uniforms: Will be handled by committee.

“As pointed out to the members of the board by Director Ramsey they are on this trip ‘representing Bossier high school, Bossier City, the Bossier Lions Club and the State of Louisiana during the entire trip…’ ‘so act like ladies and gentlemen at all times. This means your department MUST BE above reproach at all times,’ Director Ramsey stressed.

“‘You are asked not to play pin ball games, slot machines or similar games of amusement which touch on gambling at any time during the trip.’

“J.W. Naremore, cashier of the Bossier Bank & Trust company, is in the party as its official banker. Deposits were made with him on Wednesday, and, as announced, there will be no deposits taken from students at any other time. He will be available each morning when those with deposits desire to make withdrawals.

“Besides Director Ramsey and Banker Naremore, the following representatives of the Lions club, which is financing the trip, are in the party: H.L. Parker, Ira Harbuck, and Kenneth Greene, assistant band director. There is a chaperone, a trained nurse.

“En route to the convention the band will stop at Paducah, Ky., overnight. They will have accommodations at the Palmer House in Chicago, arriving there Sunday. They will take part in the convention’s opening ceremonies, will be in the street parade and in other music features, including one in honor of Elmer Stewart, Shreveport nominee for the international board. On the way home the party will visit Evanston, Ill., and the Shiloh battlefield at Nashville, Tenn, with last stop at Savannah, Tenn.

“They will return to Bossier City July 29. (Should read July 22.)

“This is the second such trip for the Bossier City band, the first having been last year to the Lions convention in New York. They traveled by bus on that trip. Both were gifts from the Bossier City Lions club in appreciation of the school band’s services to the community.”

The Bossier High School Band placed fourth at the convention, competing against entries from nearly 30 nations and every part of the United States. Over the past 80-years, the Bossier High School band has performed and competed throughout the United States and Canada, marching in parades across the nation, including the 1960 Sugar Bowl.

Learn more about the history of local high schools and school bands by visiting the Bossier Parish Libraries History Center, your leading source for local history. We are located adjacent to the Central Library branch at 2206 Beckett Street, Bossier City. Whether you want to learn about local history or research your family history, we are here to help.

By: Amy Robertson